Hungary: Sale of “Nepszabadsag” Shows Government Influence over Media

In response to a businessman close to Hungary’s prime minister purchasing the country’s most prominent opposition newspaper company, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“The suspension and sale of Nepszabadsag show the government’s growing influence over Hungary’s media,” said Robert Herman, vice president for international programs. “Hungary’s government uses ownership as a political tool to silence critical coverage. The EU and the United States should forcefully condemn this attack on the press.”

Background:
On October 25, Nepszabadsag – Hungary’s main opposition daily – was sold to Opimus Press, a company linked to Lorinc Meszaros, a close confidante of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the mayor of Felcsut, the prime minister’s home town. The sale took place two weeks after its previous owner unexpectedly suspended publication, blocked its journalists’ access to their emails and offices, and pulled the paper’s online edition. As part of the acquisition, Opimus Press also purchased 12 smaller regional papers.

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SEENPM promotes excellence in journalism through policy initiatives, research and training in South East European countries. It aims to support the development of independent media and strengthen relations among journalists.

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